The potential economic boon from the at-long-last debut of recreational marijuana sales in New Jersey will also pay dividends for labor unions, as the state law governing the budding industry includes a clear path for organizing the new workplaces.
Hugh Giordano, director of organizing for United Food and Commercial Workers Local 360, said the union’s role is similar to what it does in any economic sector – seeking to make sure workers have fair wages, affordable healthcare and retirement plans and a voice on the job.
“Like any other industry, these folks have families, these folks have bills, and they have personal lives that require that having a good career is part of having a good future,” Giordano said. “And we also are making sure that good banners, good employers are the ones that continuously win licenses.”
Except for the smallest marijuana companies, called micro businesses, most applicants for cannabis licenses in New Jersey are required to attest to the state they have labor peace agreements with bona fide labor groups. Those unions must also attest to the same.